list of figures - Terry Sunderland

clustering species are to be included in the sample. Nur Supardi (1999) found that
large, square plots were most effective at capturing not only the larger clustering
individuals, but also up to 80% of the rattan species present within the sample area.
Bøgh (1996) also found that 1ha square plots were sufficiently large enough to
capture these large clustering individuals and provide a representative sample of the
rattan flora of the area in Thailand he was studying. This 1ha square plot methodology
has been widely implemented for many resource surveys and, if sited correctly, can
provide a representative and reasonably homogenous sample of variation in forest
type (Boom, 1987; Prance et al., 1987; Philips and Gentry, 1993; Philips et al., 1994;
Wong, 1997; Graham et al., 1998; de Walt et al; 1999; Sunderland and Comiskey,
2000). In this respect, such 1ha plots, when permanently demarcated, are also
recommended as being suitable for long-term monitoring of vegetation (Alder and
Synnot, 1992).
For the purposes of this study, a series of 1ha permanent sample plots (PSPs) were
established in three protected areas in Cameroon with the intention that they are
permanently demarcated for long-term research. Aside from the initial baseline
measurement, which is presented here, these plots will be monitored on a regular
basis, which will allow, over time, the calculation of growth rates, mortality and
recruitment. This, in turn, will enable the potential harvest, and sustainable extraction
rates to be established for each species within the sample sites.
3.3. RESEARCH SITES
Three diverse protected areas, the Campo Ma’an Faunal Reserve, the Mokoko River
Forest Reserve and the Takamanda Forest Reserve, were chosen for this survey. Site
selection was based on known diversity and climatic variation (based on a review of
previous studies) and with regard to logistical feasibility. These sites were enumerated
from February to April 1997 (Campo); October to December 1998 (Takamanda) and
January to February 1999 (Mokoko).
representative voucher of such taxa needs to be made.
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